Also, your electric utility may have rebates or other incentives that include ductless heat pumps.

The ductless heat pump is a relatively new option for home heating that offers:

Efficient operation at outside temperatures of 17°F and above without electric backup

Quiet operation, both indoors and outdoors

Heating and cooling

Simplified installation

Ductless heat pumps are appropriate for both replacement of existing heating systems, especially baseboard/wall heaters, as well as for new construction. Ductless heat pumps have been installed in commercial buildings for more than 20 years and are available from many manufacturers.

Ductless heat pumps are very efficient for several reasons:

Because the heated or cooled air is delivered directly to the room, ductless heat pumps avoid efficiency losses associated with ductwork – typically 15-20 percent.

Variable speed compressor models, usually labeled “inverter technology,” avoid on-off cycling losses and are able to provide usable heat efficiency on all but very cold days.

Because they provide heat/cooling to specific areas of the house, they can be more efficient since each “zone” can be heated to the desired temperature.

Ductless heat pumps are sometimes called a “mini-split” heat pumps. They operate on the same principle as traditional heat pumps, using electricity to move heat between outdoor and indoor air by compressing and expanding a refrigerant. Most new ductless heat pumps use the newer, less environmentally harmful refrigerant R-410a. Depending on the rated capacity, they require 110- or 220-volt AC power.

Uses for Ductless Heat Pumps Ductless heat pumps are most appropriate for homes with open floor plans, because each indoor “head” can serve the entire “zone” not blocked by doorways. Some typical applications for ductless pumps include:

Replacing an existing zonal heating system – Ductless heat pumps can replace existing electric baseboard/wall units and woodstoves. A cost-effective electric heat conversion in a small house might consist of single system serving the main area of the house, leaving existing electric baseboards in bedrooms and bathrooms.

Room additions – Another application for ductless heat pumps is when a room is added to a house or an attic is converted to living space. Rather than extending the home’s existing ductwork or pipes, or adding electric resistance heaters, the ductless heat pump can provide efficient heating and cooling.

New construction – New homes can be designed or adapted to take advantage of the characteristics of ductless heat pumps. Typically one or more systems might be installed in various “zones” of the house to simplify installation and minimize refrigerant line length.